President Bola Tinubu has appointed new leaders for two of Nigeria’s key security agencies following the resignation of their former heads. Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed has been named the new Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), while Adeola Ajayi has been appointed as the new Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, announced these appointments in a statement released on Monday in Abuja. The statement confirmed that the changes were necessary after the previous heads of the NIA and DSS stepped down from their positions.
Ambassador Mohammed brings to the role over two decades of experience as a seasoned foreign service officer. He has served in several countries, including North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and Libya. His extensive international experience is expected to enhance Nigeria’s intelligence operations.
Adeola Ajayi, the new head of the DSS, has a long history of service within the agency. He has held key positions across several states, including Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Kogi. Ajayi’s rise through the ranks demonstrates his deep understanding of the security challenges facing the country.
Mohammed replaces Ahmed Abubakar, who resigned as the NIA Director-General on Saturday night, citing family and personal reasons. Abubakar had been appointed to the position in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who also extended his term in 2021. Yusuf Bichi, who served as the DSS Director-General since 2018, also stepped down from his role.
In his statement, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Directors-General for their service to the nation and wished them well in their future endeavors. He also urged the newly appointed leaders to work closely with other security agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser to address the nation’s security challenges more effectively.
“President Tinubu has charged the new security chiefs to work together to reposition the agencies for better results, tackle security challenges, and enhance collaboration with sister agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser,” the statement said.